The former leader of the Oakland County Democratic Party has been sentenced to probation for forging documents and fraudulently entering candidates under the Tea Party banner.

The goal apparently was to confuse voters and take votes from Republican candidates in some local races in 2010. The so-called Independent Tea Party candidates didn't know their names were being used.

The Oakland Press says Michael McGuinness didn't speak in court Wednesday as a judge ordered probation, 180 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine. McGuinness was head of Oakland County Democrats when the crimes occurred last year.

Jason Bauer, who was the local party's political director, will be sentenced in January. He and McGuinness pleaded no contest.